Reverend Alexander Kennedy 
Biography of Reverend Alexander Kennedy
Portrait of Alexander Kennedy in Port of Spain
Alexander Kennedy matriculated as an Arts student at the University in 1827. He was born at Dalricket Mill, near Cumnock, Ayrshire on 12 May 1804, the son of James, a farmer.
Kennedy studied at the University of Glasgow and Edinburgh before completing ministerial training at the Theological College of the United Presbyterian Church.
Sponsored by Greyfriars Church in Glasgow, the Reverend Kennedy was the first Presbyterian missionary to the island of Trinidad in 1836, founding Greyfriars Church in Port-of-Spain. A staunch anti-slavery supporter and critic of the apprenticeship terms, following the Abolition Act in 1833, he was a popular, though occasionally controversial, figure among the local population. He also spoke out against the trade of indentured servants from India to Trinidad. As well as preaching he also taught at the first public school inaugurated by Sir Ralph Woodford on the island.
Suffering from poor health Kennedy left Trinidad in 1850, intending to return Scotland. Visiting Canada, however, his health improved and he resolved to stay in the country, continuing his work as a Presbyterian minister. He remained in Canada until his death in Welland, Ontario on 19 January 1892, at the age of 87.
Sources
Printed Materials
Archival Materials
- W Innes Addison, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow from 1728 to 1858 (Glasgow, 1913), p. 363
Summary
Reverend Alexander Kennedy
Born 12 May 1804.
Died 19 January 1892.
GU Degree: Arts, 1827;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: clergy; missionaries
English snippet: Arts student at the University of Glasgow in 1827, first Presbyterian missionary to Trinidad in 1836Record last updated: 25th Feb 2014
Country Associations
Scotland, Ayrshire, Cumnock
Place of Birth
Canada, Ontario, Welland
Place of Death
Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad, Port of Spain
University Connections
University Roles
- Student
